Ventura, CA Fishing: Underrated Destination on the Central Coast

In Ventura, summers last all year round. Halfway between LA and San Francisco, the city enjoys 300 days of sunshine and mild 20-degree Celsius temperatures during the day. It is located north of Los Angeles and has both the natural beauty one might expect from a luxurious hidden spot and the friendly vibes of a small town. 

As a family-friendly and pet-friendly beach city, Ventura has all the classics — a beautiful harbor, an All-American Main Street, waves that surfers pray for all year long, and stunning Pacific Coast sunsets. As a bonus, the city boasts local craft breweries and wineries that should please connoisseurs. 

If you dare to dig deeper, you will find that Ventura’s natural beauty extends far beyond its beaches. Here you will find North America’s Galapagos, Channel Islands National Park, and Marine Sanctuary. It is one of the least visited national parks in the country but one of its most pristine and beautiful. Situated off the coast of Ventura, the park boasts awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean on each of its islands, top-notch diving and snorkeling, world-class hiking trails, sea cave kayaking and exploration, and camping in the presence of over 2,000 flora and fauna. 

Situated on the Pacific Coast, Ventura is a prime fishing destination like most neighbors. However, it is unique because it is halfway between Southern and Northern California. This favorable location gives anglers the chance to experience the extraordinary riches of both regions for a truly rewarding fishing escapade.

Ventura Fishing 

With a great location right on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and an average of 300 sunny days a year, Ventura is a fantastic fishing destination all year round. Situated smack dab in the middle of Southern and Northern California, it is the best place to be if you want to experience fishing in both distinct regions. 

Before heading out to sea for some exciting offshore fishing, why not warm up with a day at Ventura Pier? This lovely pier, which is on the exact spot as Ventura Wharf, the city’s main pier built in the late 1800s, is on the popular San Buenaventura State Beach. It is pretty long and wide and doesn’t get too crowded during the weekdays. And because of its length, expect to catch different species from each section. Inshore, you will find plenty of barred surfperch. Other fish such as yellowfin croaker, spotfin croaker, and corbina can also be caught along with barred but are outnumbered. In the middle part of the pier, you will see larger fish such as queenfish, kelp bass, white croaker, leopard shark, shovelnose shark, bat ray, and California halibut. Other fish you might catch in this particular section includes walleye surfperch, rubberlip seaperch, pompano, and black perch. Anglers can find a bigger catch at the end of the pier. Expect to find some more leopard shark, spiny dogfish, and thresher shark here, along with some mackerel, barracuda, and bonito. Right by the end, you will see a cutout section from which you can fish among the pilings. 

If you’re eager to fish offshore in Ventura, you should book a fishing charter to take you fishing on the Channel Islands National Park. This park is a protected area, so having a local expert by your side will allow you to experience just how productive this area is while remaining safe and law-abiding. The Channel Islands National Park consists of five islands off the coast of Ventura, namely Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara. Its waters yield species such as California halibut, sheepshead, white seabass, yellowtail, rockfish, lingcod, and salmon, along with sand bass, kelp bass, and barracuda. In recent years, the water in the region has gotten warmer, attracting bigger fish such as yellowfin tuna, blue marlin, and wahoo. Apart from fishing, the national park offers even more outdoor activities such as diving, kayaking, hiking, and more.

The largest island, Santa Cruz, is a prime destination if you’re on the lookout for some white seabass. However, the outer islands, Santa Rosa and San Miguel deserve some attention. The journey towards them can be quite treacherous, so you need the expertise of a local captain to guide you through them and shelter your boat in just the right place. But once you’re there, you can expect a most productive time fishing. The islands produce a significant number of larger-sized catches; there are numerous species. Vermillion and copper rockfish are among the most abundant species caught. Lingcod is also frequently thrown into the mix.

Once you’ve had your fill of deep-sea fishing, you might want to cap off your Ventura fishing trip by fishing on the surf. Excellent surf fishing spots abound in Ventura and its neighboring cities. McGrath State Beach is known for its barred surfperch and spotfin croaker. Some anglers who fish at dusk might catch some sand shark.  On the other hand, at Emma Wood State Beach, you can capture some corbina, halibut, and cabezon. Some great spots on the beach include the mouth of the Ventura River right where it meets the ocean and the part of the shore north of the entrance. Jetty fishing can likewise provide great fun for anglers. There are jetties to target corbina and croaker at Harbor Cove Beach and Marina Park Beach. 

Top 10 Fish Species in Ventura, CA

The top 10 fish species to target in Ventura, CA include barred surfperch, white seabass, yellowtail, lingcod, California halibut, kelp bass, vermilion rockfish, corbina, sheepshead, and salmon.

Seasonal Fishing

Uniquely positioned between Northern and Southern California, Ventura benefits from the richness of both regions. During summer, it can mimic the conditions of the waters you would typically experience in Mexico, attracting the same species you can find there. Meanwhile, during winter, with the current from Japan easing its way down the Northern California coast, you can enjoy the type of fishing you would generally have in the San Francisco bay area.

Deep-sea fishing in Ventura, as in the rest of California, is best experienced during summer. The water temperature is higher, and there is plenty of bait for the bigger fish, attracting them in droves for anglers to target them in higher concentrations. The hotter the water, the deeper you should go-to target fish such as rockfish, kelp bass, halibut, white seabass, and lingcod. From March to April, you can target plenty of rockfish varieties. Meanwhile, you should go shallow from April to June to target California and Pacific halibut, barracuda, white seabass, and kelp bass. 

Plan a Family-Friendly and Budget-Friendly Trip to Ventura, CA

Enjoy a budget-friendly beach vacation for you and your entire family when you visit Ventura. This Central Coast gem is filled with top-notch attractions that you can enjoy without breaking the bank.

1. Book a Fishing Charter 

If you’re planning to go deep-sea fishing, the best way to go about it is to get the services of a local captain. This is especially advisable if you’re keen to fish in the Channel Islands National Park, as the park has plenty of restrictions that you might not be able to follow if you’re heading out alone.

2. Explore the City on Bikes

What’s better than exploring on foot? Exploring while riding a bike! If you’re on Ventura Pier, rent bikes or e-bikes for you and your entire family and explore the promenade on two wheels. 

3. Enjoy the Beach with Your Pet

Ventura is a very pet-friendly tourist destination. Some of the parks and beaches where you can bring your dog include Harbor Cove Beach, Marina Park, Arroyo Verde Park, and Surfer’s Point. Make sure to check out each venue’s specific pet regulations and always clean up after your dog.